The Leonian Connection (TGC) has issued a formal briefing to Gambian newsrooms and editorial boards, cautioning against reporting claims from certain diaspora figures in Germany.

The group alleges that these individuals are engaged in disinformation, extortion, and other criminal misconduct.

According to the briefing, Yahya Sonko has been removed from his position at the Refugee Council (Flüchtlingsrat Baden-Württemberg) in Germany.

TGC further claims that Sonko is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Stuttgart for alleged criminal coercion and extortion , and that his unlicensed agency is being reviewed by the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) for unauthorized legal practices, including human smuggling and misappropriation of donation funds.

The group also challenged the credibility of a 2024 “SeedyShow” broadcast that featured an alleged victim in Greece, stating that the segment involved a paid actor.

Media outlets were urged to verify claims before reporting, warning that sharing unverified content could make them complicit in what TGC describes as a smear campaign.

TGC additionally announced a strategic expansion to Nigeria in April/May 2026, dubbed “The Nigeria Connection”, aimed at tapping into the country’s athletic talent and economic potential.

The group emphasized that its operations in The Gambia, particularly the Bijilo facility, remain fully functional and unaffected by the controversy abroad.

The Leonian Connection called on Gambian journalists to exercise caution and due diligence, emphasizing that the individuals in question currently lack recognized legal standing and are subject to judicial scrutiny in Germany.

For verification, TGC offered access to a Dossier of Credibility and copies of relevant German legal filings through their Secretariat.

By Adama Makasuba